Party Under The Bridge

Feb 20, 2016

We headed out shortly after 11 am on what I considered too windy of a day. I admit that I am kind of a fair weather rider and I am not ashamed to say it either! (It doesn’t make me any less of a biker :P) I just don’t particularly enjoy being blown around on my bike like a rag doll that’s all.  But lately Florida just hasn’t had the most pristine conditions so if I was going to ride at all this year I would have to set aside my numerous 'fair weather' riding rules and suck it up by adding a heavier hoodie under my jacket and just brave the wind. 

We were heading off to check out a ‘Party Under The Bridge’ in Moore Haven today. I knew that the route we were about to travel wasn’t going to be the nicest to ride on with the exception of the scenic River Road. Not to say that the road condition isn’t good, it is just that these secondary highways are flat, open and mostly straight with speeds in excess of 60 miles an hour -which by the way is the posted speed limit that no one adheres to - then add a strong crosswind and you get the picture.

This ‘Party Under The Bridge’ is in it’s 7th year as an annual fund raiser and is put on by the local legion in Moore Haven to benefit the veterans. To be honest I wasn’t expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised to see the huge turn out that was there considering that this town has had it’s share of misfortune and despite it being humbled by two Hurricanes. The first hit in 1926 and the other in 1928, the latter eventually destroyed what was left of this once boom town which was known as ‘Little Chicago’ at the time.  Seeing it now, it was hard to image it as a rapidly growing and prosperous community... but I got the feeling that there is still a lot of pride with the people who still reside here. 

There is also one other draw that might interest some to take a ride out into the middle of nowhere. On the first Saturday in March there is a festival called the ‘Chalo Nitka Festival and Frontier Days’  [Chalo Nitka means “Big Bass” in the Seminole Indian language] . The festival and rodeo dates back to 1948 when it first originated to commemorate the paving of Main street in Moore Haven. (Anything for a party) It has now become one of the longest running festivals in Florida. I suppose it may warrant another trip out that way to check it out.

We checked out the various booths containing the usual ‘biker’ festival fare.  The festival is held directly under the bridge that crosses the Caloosahatchee River and spills out into the street along Avenue J. The road was blocked off so you can wander in the middle of the street, however be aware of the bikes.




I snapped this picture of an interesting feathered hat (or should I say ‘head dress’) from one of the vendors. His partner leaned over and shouted above the roar of the band playing to tell me that if he had $10 for all the people who have took a picture of his buddy he would have $100 by now. (Maybe that was a hint - I didn’t pay him any money for taking the picture)

Sea of Bikes

Then we seen what I suppose was considered the ‘oldies car show’ however there wasn’t too many entries, maybe we were just early... although that jalopy looked like it has seen better days.

Next we headed over to the Lawn Tractor Pull, I have never seen one before. Interesting to say the least. This is exactly how I pictured it would be... even women get in on the act.

Afterwards we walked back to the main area under the bridge where the band Desperado was blasting out country tunes. Even though I am not a country music fan, I have to admit the band was good, but a little too loud for my liking.

We decided that we were ready to head back and took off towards 78 but decided to turn off onto Ortona Rd to check out the Ortona Locks. It was a nice little side trip to see this part of the Caloosahatchee Canal. There was not another soul around and the quiet of the area was a peaceful interlude before we headed back out on the highway. 


Enjoy the tranquil picture show...

It was still extremely windy all the way home, and I was glad when we pulled in the driveway at our designated Drink Time (3 pm)
Time to plan our next adventure...

Cruising through life and enjoying the ride...

To The Everglades...Not Quite

Everglade Seafood Festival (2015)

Saturday Feb 13-2016
The temperature climbed high enough today that finally it was going to be somewhat of a decent day. My plan was to head down to the Everglades for the Everglade Seafood Festival but first take a few detours while we were down that way. Honestly I was more excited about the detours. (as for the festival, we have been many times before and I wasn’t going to bore you too much by writing about it again, unless something really cool happened <grin>).

The first detour was to be the smallest Post Office in the United States located in Ochopee on Tamiami Trail [FL-41]. The last time we were there I was on my Yamaha V star 250 and my BF on his Honda . I have been wanting to get a photo op of the Harley’s in front of it ever since we got the bikes a few years back. The next place I wanted to visit was the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, this is where a man named Dave Shealy spends his time looking for a creature that supposedly lurks in the Florida Everglades. Although I believe it is just a kitchy way to attract tourists to his Campground...or is it ... <smile>  Anyway it would be good for a laugh. Next, onto the festival in Everglade City. My BF had never sampled any of the tasty treats offered and wanted to get some shrimp or something fishy this time around. (as I am not and never will be a fan of seafood I was going to pass on the taste test) Afterwards, I wanted to head over to Chokoloskee Island which is situated just past Everglade City. Sounded like a good day of riding and sightseeing to me... 

So at 11 am off we went, it was still a little on the cool side for me, so I was glad I had left my jacket liner in and wore my hoodie.(after all it was only 70 F)  We headed on down FL-82 to get to FL-29 (FL-29 brings you to Everglade City). I really don’t like driving on either of these roads, in my opinion they are the worst in all of Southwest Florida, but to get to where we wanted to go there wasn’t any other choice - at least that I know of. We waited until we passed the town of Immokalee to top off the tanks before heading down the long stretch of 29.  
(Map shows location of Everglade City)

At the Auto Parts store

After the tanks were filled my BF tried to start his bike and the battery was dead. It was not a surprise, he had been having problems with it since we got the bikes out of storage. He knew he would eventually have to get a new one, of course today would have to be the day. Lucky for us he had foreseen this, he had brought his battery charger... so after a quick charge, we headed back into Immokalee to pick up a battery somewhere... the first man we asked only spoke Spanish, (I definitely have to start learning Spanish) but seemed to understand ‘Walmart’ and pointed us down a street, after a few minutes I got the feeling it wasn’t right, I guess my BF did too and we pulled into a gas station to ask a man filling up his truck. The guy asked his phone and I guess the phone told him Walmart was down Main Street. So back out onto what I thought was Main street, actually the road morphed into New Market Road. We were almost out of town by this point (I was thinking the man’s phone lied to us) and pulled into a plaza and asked a woman in a WinnDixie uniform who was getting into her car. We found out that there really wasn’t a Walmart in Immokalee after all, but there was an auto parts store just down the road. (Just have to point out, it was a woman that finally gave us the right information <grin>) After passing the store and back tracking we finally pulled into the auto parts store. My BF installed his new battery and we were finally on our way again. It was already going on 1 pm and we still had a good hour on the road before even getting close to where we wanted to go. 

I forgot to snap a pic..so this is compliments of Google

Not only is FL-29 a very boring road to ride a bike on, for the most part it is straight as an arrow and I always find it very windy, even if it isn’t a windy day. We stopped for a break just before a bend in the road. (I did say for the most part, there are a few curves but not many) I guess it is like a soft shoulder, although I really don’t know the purpose of it as it abruptly stops for no apparent reason (that happens a lot in Florida). Anyway we start to notice that the steady stream of cars passing us seem to be backing up a little just beyond the bend... could this be an omen?... well after we get back on the bikes we barely make the bend and came to a dead stop...yes, yes it was...so there we were gradually inching along the road, but mostly standing still. My bike idled for what seemed like an eternity, eventually the heat from it was starting to burn the inside of my thighs!  Actually we sat for about forty minutes or so, barley making a quarter of a mile from where we had stopped for a break. At this rate we would be lucky to make the first stop by sun down. It was then that we decided we really didn’t need to see the festival again, or for that matter any of the other attractions I had planned, so we called it a day.

I figured it out on the map when we got home that we were a mere 2.5 miles to the intersection of FL-29 and FL-41 - the place we were going to turn for the first detour. On any other day it showed it would of taken 3 minutes!

Compliments of another Google Map - Entrance to Janes Memorial Scenic Dr.

As we headed back my BF made a turn down a road called Janes Memorial Scenic Dr. and stopped to pull out the map. We realized we could cut through Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve which would take us back into Immokalee. Great, at least we could take a nice scenic ride and salvage some of today’s ride... 

Well on the day of “not to be’s” we pull into the park and stop to check it out. Wow, now this looked interesting and had that ‘this was going to be a nice ride’ kind of promise to it. However we did notice that the paved road ended, no biggy, we have done gravel before so I wasn’t really worried. My BF seen a Park Ranger Truck coming towards us so he flagged him down to ask how far the gravel road went. Our scenic journey would take us 11 miles through the park and would eventually bring us out in Immokalee, but as luck would have it we were also informed that the road had been closed due to flooding. (Lucky we asked, there was not one sign posted about this!). 

That was just great, maybe we could find another road so we pulled into the information center to have another look at the map. Again luck was not with us, so back to plan C, driving all the way back on FL-29. If nothing else at least we found a new road to eventually ride...when it dries up! 

The rest of the way home was uneventful and we finally pulled in the driveway going on 4pm.
Drink Please!!! 
Just goes to show, even the best laid out plans can change. But even when things change, when on a bike any ride is a good ride...






Until next time... 
Cruising through life and enjoying the ride...

Corkscrew Rd onto the Beaches

::Tuesday Feb 2, 2016 ::

This is the kind of ride for those of you who like to pass through the action, get caught up in stop and go traffic and sweat you’re a** off when in full riding gear. Not recommended doing this ride during March when it really becomes congested with us Snowbirds. <grin>


The morning started out quite foggy, but by the time we were heading out the fog had burned off and it was turning out to be a nice day for a ride. Maybe a little too nice... Finally, the long awaited (somewhat) full-day tour since arriving in Florida. 

I was really looking forward more to just the ride than actually having any destination to go to, so I chose this ride simply for that. We left shortly after 11 am and after making a quick stop to fill up my gas tank (a one tank ride) we were on our way heading out onto the dreaded Immokalee Rd. [82] in order to get onto Corkscrew Rd. (Where I started this ride on the map above)

Road Details
[Immokalee Road [82] is a two lane highway, and definitely not the most relaxing road to drive on. I have mentioned before that there are more accidents than there should be on this road. They drive way too fast and  pass recklessly when they shouldn’t.  There is a bit of construction going on now so I think they might be enlarging it, hopefully that will help this dangerous road and not hinder it. At least we didn’t have to stay on it long before hooking onto Corkscrew Road, which is a fairly fun road to travel on, it has some twists and turns, with one in particular which is pretty much a 90 degree corner. The road is paved and for the most part in good condition. There are some rough patches but really nothing to worry about. It is quite a “fast road” as the speed limit is 55 mph (88 km) and depending on the time of day you motor through just be aware that there are some very large trucks that use this road and they have a tendency to pass you like your standing still. (Even if you are going a little over the speed limit yourself. <smile>) You will pass through a lot of farmland and panther habitat on this route before coming to the more populated area where the gated communities take over.]  

As we headed along Corkscrew Rd. we made a stop at the CREW Marsh Trails. 
{FYI: The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed is 60,000 acres of land that collects, stores and cleans water for southwest Florida's drinking water supply. It also is a habitat for many threatened or endangered plants and animals. According to the signs posted the Florida panther, black bear, snail kite, gopher and tortoise along with species of rare ferns and orchids all make this area their home.} 


If you are inclined to be one with nature this place has a fairly extensive trail system to explore. Although today you would probably need hip waders to maneuver through most of the trails because of all the rain we have had over the month of January. Usually January is a fairly dry month in Florida, however this year Florida managed to have a record rainfall that produced 12.98 inches!  Anyway, we weren’t there to hike on this occasion, we were on a mission to ride <smile> so onward we went...

We then turned down Three Oaks Parkway which today had a moderate traffic flow. We have been on this road a few times and I found that sometimes there is very little traffic making this a very pleasant road to travel. (As far as urban riding goes) As you wind your way through this area you pass through perfectly manicured streets with rows of palm trees and bricked walls that fence in the elite neighbourhoods beyond. Further down Three Oaks continues into Imperial Parkway, a nice little curvy road that runs along side of I-75 for a stretch as we headed toward Bonita Springs. We then turned off it and onto Bonita Beach Rd toward the beach.

Road Details
[Bonita Beach Road is a very busy and often congested road. It is a main artery to the beaches and has a collection of shops and restaurants lining both sides of the street. The road itself is smooth and in fairly good condition, so no worries there. In fact all the roads we travelled on this tour I couldn’t complain about.]
Points of interest: Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker

Bonita Beach Rd [865] continues into Hickory Blvd (Little Hickory Island) where there are about nine public beach access points for Bonita Beach. Barefoot Beach is off to the left, just before Bonita Beach.

[Point of interest: Doc’s Beach House -a beach side restaurant - Looks interesting, but have not had the pleasure to review this place as of yet,].

Hickory Blvd. then continues into Estero Blvd. [865] and onto Bays Island and Big Hickory Island which then passes through Long Key on your way to Estero Island.  

[Point of interest: Lover’s Key State Park] 

Traffic tends to get heavy on these islands so be prepared for lots of clutch work especially the closer you get to Fort Myers beach. There are about 25 public beach access points that stretch along Estero Island. Signs are posted to identify the access spots, however they are all down narrow little lanes with limited parking, also keep in mind they are metered. 

Not really a parking spot <grin>

We pulled off and ventured down one of the access points on Flamingo Street to have a break. This beach stop is less populated than the busy Fort Myers beach area, although every parking spot along the lane way was filled, that was not a problem for us and managed to squeeze into an opening. We were not going to stay long and took a short walk down the path to take a peak at the water. 


By this time the mercury was already pushing 81 F (28 C) and I realized I still had my liner in my jacket. After a quick unzip I finally removed my liner so that I could continue the rest of our journey a little less sticky. (I should of done that miles back) As we were about to head out a very tanned, shirtless gentleman was heading toward the path to the beach and suggested I wear a bikini... hmmm... I know I seemed a little overdressed to be on the beach, but really, he did see I was on a bike....

As we neared Fort Myers Beach the more traffic backed up. I was lucky to even get past 2nd gear! It also didn’t help that there was some construction making the snails pace we were travelling at more of a sloths pace. 
{Fun Fact: The Three-Toed Sloth is the slowest animal in the world and the name sloth is actually a synonym of slow motion. The top speed of a sloth is 0.003 miles per hour. They are so slow algae grow on them.} 
In my experience, this is usually a good time of year to ride this route (Temperature wise and minimal crowds). Who would of figured that it would get so hot and humid since it hadn’t got past the mid 60's lately, so now this sweltering heat turned out the sun seekers in herds.

Staying on Estero Boulevard we kept left before it continued into Sans Carlos Blvd so we could stop at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. I think that this is one of the larger parking areas available that is in close proximity to Fort Myers beach. Cars circle the lot like vultures ready to dive in as soon as an opening appears. Again, we of course didn’t have that problem <grin>. 

Besides the beach, this area offers an interesting walk through Times Square with it’s quirky street performers, shops and beach side restaurants or one can meander down the pier - definitely a great place to people watch.  However, I was melting by this point (on second thought, that bikini would of came in handy right about now) and wanted no part of people watching today, so after the much needed “P” stop, all I wanted to do was head home. I could already hear the ice cubes crackling in the cocktails.

Leaving Fort Myers Beach we headed over San Carlos Island 
[Point of Interest: Key West Express - the ferry from Fort Myers to Key West. There is also a restaurant there called the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill - I must check that out sometime, I just like the name. <smile>]

It was the middle of the afternoon and the traffic was bumper to bumper heading onto the Island, lucky for us we were leaving and our side of the road wasn’t too bad. Soon we were cruising down the road homeward bound. 

It was going on 4 pm (way past my drink time) when we finally pulled in the driveway making this almost a one hundred mile tour. I peeled off my gear as fast as I could and got into more appropriate attire for the temperature and promptly poured a drink.  

Until next time... ride it hard and keep it safe!

Thoughtful Interlude...on a rainy day

The weather certainly has not cooperated with me so far, I have only been out on my bike twice since we got to Florida in late December. January really has sucked this year. More so than years before when I realized that January is just not the ideal season to be in Florida. (At least for a freeze cat like me) The weather seems unpredictable and the chance of frost is always prevalent. However I will still take it over the weather back home. <smile> 



Between the rainy days and bone chilling temperatures it has left very few days to actually get out and ride. The first time out we just did a loop around the town, just to get back into the groove, seeing last April was the last time we were biking. The second was our usual River Road tour which is always a nice ride but has become predictable. Neither one qualified as blog material. I am restless to see some different scenery, which really in Florida there is not much chance of that, so at the very least I would like to try to find some different roads to travel. 

Fort Myers bike night (January 9) was a ‘wash out’ and I mean that literally. There was a potential for a thunderstorm that night, so we opted to go with the car. (I know, it was like cheating but I was sure glad we did) There wasn’t as many vendors and the bands never even had a chance to get set up before the storm hit. It was about an hour after we got there and we were lucky to be inside a restaurant when the torrential downpour erupted. There was also a tornado warning and the rain never let up that night. We were fortunate that the tornado missed us, however Cape Coral was not so lucky. 

Since then I have been basically stuck to the house the last few weeks, hence the lack of bike adventures. If nothing else it has given me lots of time to ponder over where to plot out our next tour. I decided that this year my goal is to find those quirky out of the way oddities that I have been reading so much about. Really delve into the strange and unusual (which actually sums me up to a tee) in our travels and document it with photographs. What better way to combine my love of motorcycling and my interest in photography. 

Now I just need to convince my BF ... <smile>

Late Start

This year we didn’t leave for Florida until Dec 26th, a few factors prevented us from leaving at the beginning of December this year. It was a surprisingly slow start to winter in the north and we even had a green Christmas this year. With the milder (well, mild for most people, not for me) weather and lack of snow lent to a longer work year for my BF, that and the fact he was building us a new house in his ‘spare time’.  

Not to mention our car was on it’s last legs and we ended up having to buy another car so we could even make the trip to Florida. 

Since coming to Florida for the winter the plan was to eventually down size and go solar, hydro bills in Ontario are sky rocketing. On a whim we put our house up for sale on Kijiji at the end of May, image our surprise when in less than two weeks it was sold and had a closing date within a mere 4 weeks! There we were, having till the end of June to get out, at least we already had a property that was purchased a few years prior. However, we had to figure out what we were going to live in while we built the new house. 

Home Sweet Trailer

We eventually decided we would live on site while we built and purchased a 5th wheel travel trailer. I have to give my BF a lot of credit, he built our new house after work (he was building someone else a house) and on the weekends. He worked his ‘butt’ off this summer. My contribution would be the painting, staining and decorating.

It was certainly an experience living in a trailer for four months, however, when you camp at least you don’t have to get up in the morning and go off to work! At first it was a bit difficult, like no running water. My BF would have to bring barrels of water from a nearby spring to fill the water tanks in the trailer, run his generator once in awhile so we could charge batteries and for me, use my hair dryer!  At least we had propane to run the small fridge and to cook with. Come to think of it, it could of been a lot worse, we could of been sleeping in a tent LOL.

And as hard as it is to believe, I ended up having to get a cell phone! We had no phone when we first moved and it took longer than expected to get the phone line installed. But that is another story. The worst was not having an Internet connection for almost two months. I would pack up my laptop and lug it over to the Township office where they offered free Internet. I jokingly called it ‘going to my office’. 

From this

To this in 4 months!

By mid October the house was already insulated, windows in and the fireplace installed. A good thing too, I was freezing sleeping in the trailer, so we put our mattress in the house. After a week of just sleeping in the house and going to the trailer to cook  I decided it was time to totally move into the house, albeit without a few conveniences. 

Even though the solar was in place, only the exterior outlets were functioning so we ran a few extension cords from a power bar to have a light and run a hotplate for cooking. The Well had been dug and septic was put in and we had running water at least, however no hot water for awhile. We still took showers at the trailer and I would put the supper dishes in my wagon and truck them over to the trailer to wash. 

After a couple of weeks of that, our propane for the house was finally hooked up and we now had HOT water! Oh the luxury! At the end of October our appliances were delivered and we finally had a full size fridge and a proper stove! My BF had hooked up the laundry tub so I could wash the dishes and we got a toilet and sink for the powder room. I was happy not to have to go back and forth to the trailer anymore. 

(It wasn’t until mid November when we fully closed up the Trailer for the winter. A rare occurrence where we are, usually we are under several feet of snow by then).

I was finally able to contribute to the house by white washing the pine boards that were going up in the kitchen area so we could have the kitchen cupboards installed. A friend of ours is a cabinet maker and we had him build the kitchen and master bath cupboards, he does excellent work and I love my new cupboards!  I won’t have a counter top or kitchen sink or working dishwasher until we get back, but at least I have a functional kitchen again! 

Cabinets are Knotty Pine with a Early American stain

Bar top is also Pine and made by our friend.

Always wanted a make up table in the master bath.

The cabinets are distressed and made out of Ash the counter tops are made from Bird’s Eye Maple (Obviously still need to install the two sinks) 

And I was ecstatic when the shower was tiled in the master bath and was finally able to take a shower again! It just isn’t the same washing from a sink every morning...

The house has come a long way and we are very happy with our progress. There will be still quite a bit of work when we get back, like trim work, completing some more walls, the staircase, siding, landscaping.

(Front door and window was also built by my BF! - (I stained it :) 

... but for now it is time to relax and get back on the Harley’s! 

It is great to be back in the warmth :)

Cruising through life (on a motorcycle that is)

Photo credit – Jim Degerstrom

My road to riding
I had never forgot the thrill I had as a kid when I ‘borrowed’ a few wooden clothes pegs from my Mom and clipped baseball cards to the spokes of my bicycle and magically turned it into a motorcycle. I rode as fast as my little legs could pedal while I listened to the rhythmic clicketty-clack of cardboard on metal racing through my neighbourhood with no particular place to go. It was that sense of feeling free and oh what a rush as I glided down a large hill. So I guess in a way since the day I put those baseball cards on my bicycle I was destined to eventually ride the real thing. 

Unfortunately real life got in the way for quite a long time and it would take nearly half a century before I would be able to experience what I had so longed to do. Sure, over the years I had the opportunity a couple of times to be a passenger on a motorcycle but it wasn’t the same, something was missing... I wasn’t in the drivers saddle! As time passed (too quickly the older I got) before I knew it I was headed towards middle age, I came to the conclusion that if I didn’t do something soon I would eventually become an old and bitter woman for at least not trying to accomplish the one thing I so desired to do. 

After I turned 44 (consider me a late bloomer) I decided it was about time I learn to ride. I still had never actually driven a motorbike, hell I still couldn’t even drive a standard car. But that wasn’t going to stop me. I was determined, not only to achieve this dream of mine, but to actually do something just for me for a change.

So in early April of 2009 I bought a motorcycle handbook and a week later I took the written test. A half hour later and $20 dollars lighter I walked out with my learners permit in hand. But wait! As I hopped into my car it occurred to me I was missing one very important thing, I didn’t even have a motorcycle! Then another thought hit me, more importantly I had yet to even drive one. Reading a handbook and passing a written test is one thing, but now I needed to get on one and ride it.

At this point I decided that it would probably be in my best interest to take a Motorcycle Course before I inherited any bad habits. I found that Georgian College offered a three day course and that it was starting in mid May. It was ideal for me that they were providing the motorcycles and all I had to worry about was buying my gear to ride.

Love at first sight
Even though the course was several weeks away I wasted no time shopping for a motorcycle.  The moment I stepped through the doors of the Yamaha dealer a small, slender beauty caught my eye. Dark red with a hint of sparkle captured that perfect mix of dainty and dangerous. As soon as I sat on the little V-star 250 it was love. We were a perfect fit and I just had to have her. Call it destiny, excitement, impulse... all I knew was she was the one.

Finally the day arrived to start the Motorcycle Course and it was the best thing I had ever did and was well worth the $489. Even when it poured rain the entire weekend, that didn’t dampen my spirit to ride. Dripping wet, glasses fogged and hair plastered to my head, I had a smile from ear to ear the day I passed. (However now I prefer to keep the riding in the rain to a minimum if at all possible :)

Hard knocks makes a better rider
We drove through the summer until that fateful day while taking a sharp curve my back tire hit some sand and I hit the guard rail. At least I was not going very fast, however it was fast enough that both my bike and myself got a little broken from that encounter. After a trip to the hospital to get a cast on my broken thumb, I sent my bike to the mechanic to get her patched up with a new gear box and blinker light. We were both left with a permanent reminder of our ordeal. For my bike it was a dent in the gas tank. Mine was not so noticeable, now whenever it rains my thumb aches. I was told it was my initiation into the bikers world, conveyed by the words “A biker has to kiss the pavement at least once” I hope to never have to “kiss” anymore pavement again. As soon as both my bike and I had healed I was determined to get right back on and ride again. I learned a valuable lesson though, be aware of my surroundings and the change in road conditions, most of all, always practice safe driving.

Practice makes you perfect, well makes you at least better...
That winter I packed up my bike and brought it to Florida where I spent most of my time practicing with my BF. He was especially patient with me, and I have to admit that I was still shaken from my confrontation with the guard rail. Florida was good for practice as it is very flat, doesn’t have as many curves and no hills to speak of, however it does tend to get boring. At least I got used to being in lots, and I mean lots of traffic. 

With enough practice time under my belt I felt I was finally ready to get my permanent license. (Taking the first Motorcycle Course allowed me to reduce the 22 month wait period before getting the full M class to 18 months) I again returned to take the Motorcycle Course for my final. Which again, I highly recommend, however be prepared to spend another $419 for this, although it is easier than going through the DMV. 

My ‘little star’ (which I had began to refer to my motorcycle) didn’t let me down and the sun even shone the day of my final test. I was so proud to have nailed it my first try and finally I could officially call myself a motorcyclist! Over the next four years I proceeded to put on a lot of miles on her, (just over 6,000 km) most which were earned while spending the winters in Florida.

A new chapter 
I had thought I would always be content with my ‘little star’. But soon we were starting to go on longer rides, and my ‘little star’ with it’s 250 hp laboured on the long runs, not to mention it was also taking a toll on my old behind. One day in 2013 while out and about we rode into the Harley dealer in Fort Myers. The whole ‘The Legend, The dream, The lifestyle’ mystique of a Harley had drawn us in. (We both had been drooling over the Harley’s for the last few winters)

I had to laugh when a sales person approached us and referred to my ‘little star’ as a “Scooter on steroids”. Then he let me test ride a Sportster. As I straddled this new beast my excitement rose. I felt the rumble of the engine as I twisted the throttle, sending a shiver down my spine. Here was the power that I had been missing and it felt good, real good. It was bitter sweet saying good-bye to my ‘little star’, after all she was my first. I felt like such a ‘big girl’ now and really it was after all, time to move on.

Not quite the perfect fit
I have to admit, my Harley 883 Sportster was not immediately the perfect fit the day I bought him. The handle bars were too spread out, making me feel like I was on one of those torture racks back in the middle ages, the seat was so hard that I have sat on rocks softer, there was no windshield to protect me from getting blasted in the chest by the wind (and the bugs) and the foot pegs resembled something you would find on a telephone pole that a utility worker would climb to reach the top with. At least he was decked out in navy blue, a colour that I have always been partial to. Although I would of preferred black, but navy was a close second. (In case you are wondering, my Harley just feels more masculine to me than my dainty v-star was.)

Once I put the smallest mini ape handle bars I could find on, got the much needed windshield, added a comfy seat for my boney butt and switched out the foot pegs for something more solid under my feet I was ready to cruise in style. His ride was smooth and solid, I eased into a curve without having to slow to a crawl while the weight of him held tight to the pavement. It was night and day compared to riding on my 250. Even working the clutch was smoother. My ‘little star’ was great for learning on, and I honestly don’t think I would of been comfortable enough or confident for that matter with riding a larger bike at the beginning. 
(Note to Harley: Not all riders are big burley guys - think about us smaller gals once in awhile - we are not all passengers, we ride too!) - Hmm, maybe I should design a bike for Harley <smile>

Two years later

Well it has been two years since I got ‘sporty blue’. I am loving every chance I get to be out on the open road. We have went on countless day trips and little short rides. We still have many plans, like Key West is on the ‘must do’ list. And it would be nice to check out Daytona Bike week, at least once. In fact now I am wanting to go even farther, like Italy and Panama! (Of course I wouldn’t be riding my bike all the way there, but it would be great to check out those places on a motorcycle) The possibilities are endless...

Why I ride
Riding not only makes me feel young (at heart) again, it is my one proud accomplishment that I did just for myself. I just can’t get enough of that intoxicating high as I encounter the next curve, the  heightened awareness I get when I see, feel and even taste the world around me from that unique perspective which only can be achieved on two wheels. (It is just a bonus that I also feel sexy in leather)

Riding is pure joy as I discover my next adventure, travelling with no particular destination in mind, my soul is liberated. Whether I am speeding over the landscape (or as the speed limit allows :) or cruising down a sleepy country road in the sun, nothing can compare to capturing that exhilarating rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins while the wind whips through my hair. Why do I ride... it makes me feel ALIVE.

I am going to just enjoy the ride and keep cruising through life...

ODE TO MY HARLEY

‘Straddling my Sportster I rev the throttle and an exhilarating rush pulses through my body. I am a force to be reckoned with as I conquer the open road. A calming wave washes over my soul as the wind rushes past. I am alive. New adventures await, as I discover the road less travelled on two wheels’